Partially oval capsule for reloadable hemostasis clipping device

ABSTRACT

A system for treating tissue includes an applicator having a bushing and a control member and a clip assembly having a capsule with a channel extending therethrough. The channel includes proximal and distal portions. The distal portion extends distally from the proximal portion and flaring outward in a single plane to form opposing flared sections. The assembly also includes clip aims include proximal ends slidably received within the channel to move the arms between tissue receiving and tissue clipping configurations. The assembly further includes a yoke including a distal portion connected to the arms and a proximal portion configured to be connected to the control member so that longitudinal movement of the control member relative to the capsule moves the arms between the tissue receiving and clipping configurations. The yoke is positioned in the capsule so that the yoke is deformable in the plane in which the capsule flares outward.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This present application is a Continuation of pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/723,989 filed Oct. 3, 2017, which claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/404,992filed Oct. 6, 2016; the disclosure of which is incorporated herewith byreference.

BACKGROUND

Pathologies of the gastrointestinal (GI) system, the biliary tree, thevascular system, and other body lumens and hollow organs are oftentreated through endoscopic procedures, many of which require hemostasisto control internal bleeding. Hemostasis clips grasp tissue surroundinga wound and hold edges of the wound together temporarily to allownatural healing processes to permanently close the wound. Specializedendoscopic clipping devices are used to deliver the clips at the desiredlocations within the body after which the clip delivery device iswithdrawn, leaving the clip within the body.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a system for treating tissue,comprising an applicator including a bushing and a control member, thecontrol member extending through the bushing to an enlarged distal endand a clip assembly releasably coupleable to the applicator, the clipassembly including a capsule, clip arms and a yoke. The capsule extendsfrom a proximal end to a distal end and includes a channel extendinglongitudinally therethrough, the channel including a proximal portionand a distal portion, the distal portion extending distally from theproximal portion and flaring outward in a single plane to form opposingflared sections. The clip arms extend from proximal ends to distal ends,the proximal ends slidably received within the channel of the capsule tomove the clip arms between a tissue receiving configuration, in whichdistal ends of the clip arms are separated from one another, and atissue clipping configuration, in which distal ends of the clip arms aremoved toward one another. The yoke includes a distal portion connectedto the clip arms and a proximal portion configured to be connected tothe enlarged distal end of the control member so that longitudinalmovement of the control member relative to the capsule moves the cliparms between the tissue receiving configuration and the tissue clippingconfiguration, the yoke being positioned in the capsule so that theproximal portion of the yoke is deformable in the plane in which thecapsule flares outward to receive the enlarged distal end therewithin.

In an embodiment, the proximal portion of the capsule may have across-sectional area that is substantially circular and the distalportion of the capsule has a cross-sectional area that is substantiallyovoid.

In an embodiment, a major axis of the ovoid distal portion of thecapsule may be larger than a diameter of the proximal portion of thecapsule.

In an embodiment, a minor axis of the ovoid distal portion of thecapsule may be substantially equal to a diameter of the proximal portionof the capsule.

In an embodiment, the proximal portion of the yoke may include opposedportions biased toward one another and define therebetween a space sizedand shaped to receive the enlarged distal end, the opposed portionsspreading apart to permit the enlarged distal to be passed distallythereinto.

In an embodiment, the opposed portions may be movable in the plane inwhich the distal portion of the capsule is flared so that, when theopposed portions are deflected to receive the enlarged distal end withinthe space, the deflected opposed portions are received within theopposing flared sections of the distal portion of the capsule.

In an embodiment, the proximal portion of the capsule may be sized andshaped so that, when the yoke is received therein, the opposed portionsare prevented from being deflected to release the enlarged distal end.

In an embodiment, the proximal and distal portions of the yoke may beconnected to one another via a frangible link designed to fail when aforce exerted thereon exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

In an embodiment, the capsule may be releasably coupleable to theapplicator via one of a snap fit and a friction fit.

The present disclosure also relates to a clipping device, comprising apair of clip arms extending from proximal ends to distal ends, theproximal ends connected to a yoke slidably received within a channel ofa capsule to move the clip arms between a tissue receivingconfiguration, in which distal ends of the clip arms are separated fromone another, and a tissue clipping configuration, in which distal endsof the clip arms are drawn toward one another, the channel of thecapsule including a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distalportion extending distally from the proximal portion and flaring outwardin a single plane to form opposing flared sections, a portion of theyoke deforming into one of the flared sections to receive an enlargeddistal end of a control member therein.

In an embodiment, the yoke may include a distal portion connected to theclip arms and a proximal portion configured to be coupled to a controlmember, the distal and proximal portions connected to one another via afrangible link designed to fail when a force exerted thereon exceeds apredetermined threshold value.

In an embodiment, a cross-sectional area of the proximal portion of thecapsule may be substantially circular and a cross-sectional area of thedistal portion of the capsule is substantially ovoid.

In an embodiment, the circular proximal portion and the ovoid distalportion may share a center point.

In an embodiment, the yoke may include opposed portions biased towardone another and define therebetween a space sized and shaped to receivethe enlarged distal end, the opposed portions spreading apart to permitthe enlarged distal to be passed distally into the space.

In an embodiment, the proximal portion of the capsule may be sized andshaped so that, when the yoke is received therein, the yoke is preventedfrom deforming to disengage the enlarged distal end of the controlmember.

The present disclosure also relates to a method for treating tissue,comprising loading a first clip assembly on an applicator by pressing anenlarged distal end of a control member of an applicator distallyagainst a first yoke connected to proximal ends of first clip arms sothat opposed portions of the first yoke deform to permit the enlargeddistal end to be received therein, wherein the opposed portions deformwithin flared sections of a distal portion of a capsule in which thefirst yoke is slidably received, inserting the loaded clip assembly to atarget site within a living body via a working channel of an endoscope,moving the first clip assembly between a tissue receiving configuration,in which distal ends of the first clip arms are separated from oneanother, and a tissue clipping configuration, in which distal ends ofthe first clip arms are moved toward one another, by moving the controlmember longitudinally relative to the locking sleeve until a targettissue is gripped therebetween, as desired, locking the first clipassembly in the tissue clipping configuration by drawing the clip armsproximally into the capsule until a locking feature thereof engages acorresponding locking feature of the capsule, and releasing the clipassembly from the applicator by drawing the control member proximallyrelative to the clip arms, beyond a predetermined threshold value, sothat a frangible link of the first yoke fails, separating the controlmember from the first clip arms.

BRIEF DISCLOSURE

FIG. 1 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a system accordingto an exemplary embodiment of a present disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows another longitudinal cross-sectional view of the system ofFIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 shows a plan view of the system of FIG. 1 from a distal end of acapsule of the system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure may be further understood with reference to thefollowing description and the appended drawings, wherein like elementsare referred to with the same reference numerals. The present disclosurerelates to a clipping system and, in particular, relates to a reloadableendoscopic clipping system. Exemplary embodiments of the presentdisclosure describe a clip assembly that may be loaded onto a distal endof an applicator assembly prior to an endoscopic procedure. Once a cliphas been deployed at a desired target area in the body, the applicatorassembly may be reloaded with a new clip. In particular, the clipassembly includes clip arms, proximal ends of which are connected to ayoke slidably received within a capsule so that the clip arms aremovable between an open tissue receiving configuration and a closedtissue clipping configuration via a control wire coupled to the yoke.The yoke is coupled to an enlarged distal end of the control wire viaopposed portions which are spreadable to permit the enlarged distal endof the control member to be received therein. A proximal portion of thecapsule may have a substantially circular cross-sectional area while adistal portion of the capsule may have a substantially ovoidcross-sectional area so that, when the yoke is in the distal portion,the opposed portions of the yoke are permitted to spread apart toreceive enlarged distal end therein, and when the yoke is in theproximal portion, the opposed portions of the yoke are prevented fromspreading. Thus, when the yoke is in the proximal portion and a proximalforce on the yoke via the control wire exceeds a predetermined thresholdvalue, the yoke fractures, breaks or separates, releasing the clipassembly from the control member to deploy the clip assembly in thebody.

As shown in FIGS. 1-2 , a system 100 according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure comprises a clipping assembly 102loadable onto an applicator 104 prior to insertion of the system 100into a living body for the clipping of target tissue. The applicator 104is configured such that, after deployment of the clip assembly 102 inthe living body, a new clip assembly 102 may be loaded onto theapplicator 104 so that the same applicator 104 may be used to deliver anew clip assembly 102 to a second portion of target tissue in the livingbody. Each clip assembly 102 according to this embodiment comprises apair of clip arms 106, proximal ends 108 of which are coupled to a yoke110 slidably received within a capsule 112 so that the clip arms 106 aremovable between an open tissue receiving configuration and a closedtissue clipping configuration. The yoke 110 is configured to receive anenlarged distal end 116 of a control member 114 of an applicator 104 sothat longitudinal movement of the control member 114 relative to thecapsule 112 moves the clip arms 106 between the tissue receiving andtissue clipping configurations. The capsule 112 includes a proximalportion 118 having a cross-sectional area that is substantially circularand a distal portion 120 having a cross-sectional area that issubstantially ovoid. In particular, the distal portion 120 is sized andshaped so that, when the yoke 110 is therewithin, opposed portions 122of the yoke 110 are permitted to spread to receive the enlarged distalend 116 therein. The proximal portion 118, however, is sized and shapedso that, when the yoke 110 is drawn thereinto, the opposed portions 122of the yoke 110 are prevented from spreading to release the enlargeddistal end 116 of the control member 114. Thus, when the yoke 110 isdrawn into the proximal portion 118 and a force exerted on the yoke 110via the enlarged distal end 116 exceeds a predetermined threshold value,the yoke 110 breaks, fractures, or is otherwise separated from the cliparms 106 to deploy the clip assembly 102 in the body.

As described above, the clip assembly 102 includes the pair of clip arms106, the proximal ends 108 of which are coupled to the yoke 110 which isslidably received within the capsule 112. Each of the clip arms 106extends from a proximal end 108 connected to the yoke 110 to a distalend 124. The yoke 110 is configured to be connected to the controlmember 114 so that, when the yoke 110 and the control member 114 areconnected, the control member 114 may be moved longitudinally withrespect to the capsule 112 to move the clip assembly 102 between thetissue receiving and the tissue clipping configurations. The clip arms106 of this embodiment are biased toward the open tissue receivingconfiguration so that, when constrained within the capsule 112, theyspring to the open, tissue receiving configuration. In the tissuereceiving configuration, distal ends 124 of the clip arms 106 are spreadapart from one another to receive tissue therebetween. When the cliparms 106 are drawn into the capsule 112, the capsule 112 constrains theclip arms 106, drawing the distal ends 124 thereof together and holdingthem in the tissue clipping configuration.

As would be understood by those skilled in the art, the distal ends 124of the clip arms 106 may include optional gripping features configuredto enhance the gripping of tissue therebetween. For example, the distalends 124 of the clip arms 106 may include tips extending laterallyinward toward one another and/or teeth, protrusions, spikes or otherstructures configured to grip tissue between the distal ends 124 of theclip arms 106. One or both of the clip arms 106 may also include alocking feature (or complementary locking features) configured to lockthe clip arms 106 in the tissue clipping configuration, once targettissue has been gripped as desired by the clip arms 106. In oneembodiment, one or both of the clip arms 106 includes a locking tabextending laterally outward therefrom configured to engage a portion ofthe capsule 112 when the clip arms 106 have been drawn into the capsule112 beyond a predetermined distance. For example, the locking tabs maybe received within correspondingly sized, shaped and positioned lockingwindows extending laterally through a wall of the capsule 112 to lockthe clip arms 106 relative to the capsule 112, in the tissue clippingconfiguration.

In one embodiment, the proximal ends 108 of the clip arms 106 may beconnected to one another to form one integral piece which is connectedto the yoke 110. In another embodiment, the proximal ends 108 may beconnected to one another via the yoke 110. The yoke 110 includes adistal portion 126 configured to be connected to the clip arms 106 and aproximal portion 128 configured to be connected to the enlarged distalend 116 of the control member 114. The distal and proximal portions 126,128 of the yoke 110 of this embodiment are connected to one another viaa frangible link 130 that is configured to fail when a force exertedthereon exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The frangible link 130may include, for example, a weakened portion of the yoke 110 formed viaa taper, a notch, a recess or other structure decreasing across-sectional area of the yoke 110 therealong. In this embodiment, thedistal and proximal portions 126, 128 may be integrally formed of asingle piece of material. In another embodiment, the frangible link 130may include a weld, adhesive or other coupling connecting the distal andproximal portions 126, 128. In this embodiment, the distal and proximalportions 126, 128 may be two separate elements coupled to one anothervia the frangible link 130.

The distal portion 126 may be connected to the arms 106 in any of avariety of ways. In one example, the distal portion 126 may be receivedwithin a correspondingly sized and shaped space 132 at the proximal end108 of the clip arms 106 such that when the distal portion 126 isreceived within the space 132, the yoke 110 is substantially fixedrelative thereto. Thus, movement of the yoke 110 correspondingly movesthe clip arms 106.

The proximal portion 128 is configured to be connected to the enlargeddistal end 116 of the control member 114 of the applicator 104 viaopposed portions 122 defining a longitudinal slot 134 extending from aproximal opening 136 at a proximal end of the yoke 110 along alongitudinal axis of the yoke 110 to a distal portion 138 sized andshaped to receive the enlarged distal end 116. A proximal portion 140 ofthe slot 134 extending between the proximal opening 136 and the distalportion 138 has a cross-sectional area (e.g., diameter) smaller than across-sectional area of the distal portion 138. The opposed portions arespreadable to receive the enlarged distal end 116 and biased toward oneanother so that, once the enlarged end 116 passes distally into thedistal portion 138 of the longitudinal slot 134, the opposed portions122 spring back to lock the enlarged distal end 116 within the distalportion 138, coupling the control member 114 to the yoke 110. Thus,longitudinal movement of the control member 114 relative to the capsule112 may control movement of the clip arms 106 between the tissuereceiving and the tissue clipping configurations.

According to this embodiment, the enlarged distal end 116 of the controlmember 114 may be inserted into the distal portion 138 via the proximalopening 136 of the yoke 110. When the control member 114 is pusheddistally into the yoke 110 with a force greater than a predeterminedthreshold value, the proximal portion 140 deforms to permit the enlargeddistal end 116 to be passed therethrough into the distal portion 138. Inother words, opposed portions 122 are separated from one another topermit the enlarged distal end 116 move therepast through the proximalportion 140 into the distal portion 138. Once the enlarged distal end116 has been received within the distal portion 138, the proximalportion 140 of the slot 134 reverts to its original size, holding theenlarged distal end 116 of the control member 114 in the distal portion138. In one embodiment, the proximal portion 140 of the slot 134 mayinclude features facilitating passage of the enlarged distal end 116distally therepast. For example, the proximal portion 140 may taper fromthe proximal opening 136 toward the distal portion 138 so that theenlarged distal end 116 is distally slidable thereagainst as theenlarged distal end 116 is being inserted into the yoke 110. Once theenlarged distal end 116 is received within the distal portion 138 of thelongitudinal slot 134, the enlarged distal end 116 is prevented frombeing moved proximally thereoutof via a proximal shoulder 142 of thedistal portion 138.

The capsule 112 extends from a proximal end 144 to a distal end 146 andincludes a channel 148 extending longitudinally therethrough. Theproximal end 144 may be releasably connected to the applicator 104 inany of a variety of ways. In one embodiment, the capsule 112 engages abushing 150 of the applicator 104 in a way that permits the clip arms106 to be moved relative to the capsule 112 from an initial insertionconfiguration substantially similar to the tissue clippingconfiguration, in which the clip arms 106 are constrained via theinterior surface of the capsule 112, distally toward the tissuereceiving configuration. An initial distal movement of the clip arm 106relative to the capsule 112, from the insertion configuration to thetissue receiving configuration, may cause the capsule 112 to disengagethe applicator 104. Thus, once target tissue is received between thedistal ends 124 of the clip arms 106 and the clip arms 106 are drawnproximally relative to the capsule 112 to draw the clip arms 106 towardone another, the capsule 112 will also be moved proximally until thecapsule 112 comes into contact with a distal end 152 of the bushing 150.Once the capsule 112 abuts the distal end 152 of the bushing 150, theclip arms 106 may be drawn further proximally relative to the capsule112, toward the tissue clipping configuration. Upon disengagement of thecontrol member 114 from the clip arms 106, as will be described infurther detail below, the clip assembly 102 is deployed within the body.This releasable connection may be achieved via, for example, a frictionfit or a loose snap connection as would be understood by those skilledin the art.

In another embodiment, the capsule 112 may be releasably connected tothe applicator 104 in a way such that the capsule 112 is released fromthe applicator 104 upon disengagement of the control member 114 from theclip arms 106. For example, the proximal portion 118 of the yoke 110and/or a portion of the control member 114 may interface with a couplingmechanism between the capsule 112 and the bushing 150 so that, removalof the control member 114 therefrom disengages the capsule 112 from theapplicator 104 to deploy the clip assembly 102 in the body.

The channel 148 of the capsule 112 is sized and shaped to slidablyreceive the yoke and at least a proximal portion of the clip arms 106.In particular, the channel 148 of the capsule 112 includes the proximalportion 118 which has a substantially circular cross-section and thedistal portion 120 which has a substantially ovoid cross-section. Aminor axis A of the ovoid cross-section of the distal portion 120 may besubstantially the same as a diameter of the proximal portion 118 while amajor axis B of the ovoid cross-section is larger than the diameter ofthe proximal portion 118. In other words, the channel 148 of the capsule112 may have a substantially cylindrical shape along the proximalportion 118 which flares outward in a single plane including alongitudinal axis of the capsule 112 (e.g., along major axis B) to forma substantially ovoid shape along the distal portion 120. The proximaland distal portions 118, 120 may extend coaxially relative to one,sharing a center point C, so that edges of opposing flared sections 154of the distal portion 120 are substantially equidistant from the centerpoint (e.g., longitudinal axis of the capsule 112).

The yoke 110 is positioned within the channel 148 so that opposedportions 122 are aligned along the major axis B. The distal portion 120is sized and shaped so that, when the yoke 110 is received within thedistal portion 120, the opposed portions 122 of the yoke 110 arepermitted to spread to allow the enlarged distal end 116 to be receivedtherein. When the yoke 110 is drawn proximally into the proximal portion118, however, the opposed portions 122 are constrained via an interiorsurface thereof so that the opposed portions 122 cannot spread, therebypreventing the enlarged distal end 116 from being disengaged therefrom.Although the exemplary embodiment shows and describes thecross-sectional areas of the proximal and distal portions 118, 120 assubstantially circular and ovoid, respectively, it will be understood bythose of skill in the art that the proximal and distal portions 118, 120may have any of a variety of shapes and sizes so long as the yoke 110 ispermitted to open (e.g., permit passage of the enlarged distal end 116thereinto) when within the distal portion 120 and prevented from opening(e.g., prevented from permitting disengagement of the enlarged distalend 116 from the yoke) when within the proximal portion 118. Forexample, in one alternate embodiment, the proximal portion 118 may havea substantially square cross-section while the distal portion 120 mayhave a substantially rectangular cross-section.

In addition, according to the embodiment shown, the proximal and distalportions 118, 120 of the channel 148 may be defined via an exteriorshape of the capsule 112. It will be understood by those of skill in theart, however, that the exterior shape of the capsule 112 is not requiredto correspond to the shape of the proximal and distal portions 118, 120of the channel 148. For example, in another embodiment, the exteriorshape of the capsule 112 may be constant along an entire length thereof,with just a shape of the proximal and distal portions 118, 120 of thechannel 148 varying therewithin.

Prior to being loaded on the applicator 104, the clip assembly 102 maybe stored in a cartridge configured to facilitate loading of the clipassembly 102 on the applicator 104. The cartridge may be configured as astorage container defining a space therewithin that is sized and shapedto house the clip assembly 102 with the coupler 106. The clip assembly102 may be housed within the cartridge in the tissue receivingconfiguration. The cartridge includes a proximal opening through whichthe a distal portion of the applicator 104 may be inserted to be coupledto the clip assembly 102, as will be described in further detail below.The cartridge holds the clip assembly 102 in position to facilitateloading onto the applicator 104.

The applicator 104 includes the bushing 150 or catheter, a flexiblemember (not shown) extending proximally therefrom, and the controlmember 114. A proximal end of the flexible member may be connected to ahandle portion. The bushing 150 extends longitudinally from a proximalend connected to the flexible member to the distal end 152 configured tobe releasably connected to the capsule 112 of the clip assembly 102. Thecontrol member 114 extends through the bushing 150 and the flexiblemember from the enlarged distal end 116 to a proximal end connected toan actuator of the handle portion. The flexible member may be formed asa coil or wire having sufficient flexibility to be passed through eventortuous paths of the living body and, in this embodiment, is sized andshaped to be passed through a working channel of an endoscope of otherinsertion device. The flexible member, however, may be formed of anyother suitable flexible structure so long as the flexible member iscapable of providing a force in compression sufficient to counter thetension to be placed on the control member 114 from the clip assembly102.

An exemplary method for loading the clip assembly 102 onto theapplicator 104 comprises pushing the enlarged distal end 116 of thecontrol member 114 distally against the proximal portion 128 of the yoke110, which may be pre-assembled with the clip assembly 102, until adistal force applied on the proximal portion 140 of the longitudinalslot 134 exceeds a predetermined threshold value, causing opposingportions 122 of the yoke 110 to deflect away from one another to permitthe enlarged distal end 116 to be moved distally therepast. As describedabove, the opposed portions 122 are positioned so that they deflect in aplane defined by the major axis B of the ovoid distal portion 120 of thecapsule 112. In other words, the deflected opposed portions 122 arereceived within the opposing flared sections 154 of the distal portion120 of the capsule 112. After the enlarged distal end 116 passes theproximal portion 140 and into the distal portion 138, the proximalportion 140 reverts under its natural bias to a position to hold theenlarged distal end 116 therein. As the control member 114 is beingcoupled to the yoke 110, the bushing 150 may also be distally pressedagainst the capsule 112 to releasably couple the capsule 112 to thebushing 150.

As described above, where the clip assembly 102 is housed within acartridge, the bushing 150 and the enlarged distal end 116 of thecontrol member 114 may be inserted through a proximal opening of thecartridge to be coupled to the clip assembly 102, in substantially thesame manner as described above. Once the bushing 150 has been releasablyconnected to the capsule 112 and the enlarged distal end 116 is coupledto the clip arms 106, the control member 114 may be moved proximally todraw the clip assembly 102 toward the closed, clipping configuration.The entire applicator 104 may then be moved proximally relative to thecartridge to draw the clip assembly 102 out of the cartridge, in theclosed configuration, via the proximal opening.

In use, after the clip assembly 102 has been loaded onto the applicator104, the clip assembly 102 is inserted through a working channel of anendoscope (or any other insertion device) and inserted into the body(e.g., through a natural body lumen) to a site adjacent to a targetportion of tissue to be clipped. The clip assembly 102 is inserted tothe target tissue in the tissue clipping configuration to reduce damageand facilitate its passage through the working channel. Upon reachingthe site of the target tissue, the clip assembly 102 is advanced out ofthe distal end of the working channel by moving the control member 114distally relative to the bushing 150, extending the clip arms 106distally out of the capsule 112 and moving the clip arms 106 to thetissue receiving configuration. Once the target tissue has been receivedbetween the clip arms 106, the clip assembly 102 may be moved toward thetissue clipping configuration so that the target tissue is grippedbetween the distal ends 124 thereof. The clip arms 106 are moved towardthe tissue clipping configuration by drawing the control member 114proximally with respect to the bushing 150 and the capsule 112. Once theclip assembly 102 is in the tissue clipping configuration, the controlmember 114 may be drawn further proximally to lock the clip arms 106with respect to the capsule 112. As the control member 114 is movedproximally, the yoke 110 is drawn into the circular proximal portion 118of the capsule 112, which is sized and shaped to prevent the opposedportions 122 of the yoke 110 from spreading or deflecting to release theenlarged distal end 116 therefrom.

Thus, to deploy the clip assembly 102, the control member 114 is drawneven further proximally. Since the clip arms 106 are fixed with respectto the capsule 112 and the yoke 110 is prevented from releasing theenlarged distal end 116, the proximal motion of the control member 114causes the distal end 116 of the control member 114 to exert a force onthe yoke 110. When the force exerted on the yoke 110 exceeds apredetermined threshold value, the frangible link 130 connecting thedistal and proximal portions 126, 128 of the yoke 110 fails, separatingthe control member 114 (which is connected to the proximal portion 128)from the clip arms 106 (which are connected to the distal portion 126).As described above, the disengagement of the control member 114 from theclip arms 106 may also release the capsule 112 from the applicator 104.Thus, the applicator 104 may be withdrawn proximally from the body,leaving the clip assembly 102 clipped over the target tissue. Uponremoval of the applicator 104 from the body, the proximal portion 128 ofthe yoke 110, which remains attached to the enlarged distal end 116 ofthe control member 114, may be removed therefrom by pulling the proximalportion 126 off of the distal end 116. When a force on the proximalportion 126 exceeds a predetermined threshold force, the longitudinalslot 134 yields or deforms to allow the enlarged distal end 116 to beremoved therefrom. If so desired, a new clip assembly 102 is then loadedonto the applicator 104, in the same manner as described above, so thatthe system may then be used to clip a second portion of tissue. Thisprocess may be repeated using the same applicator 104 as many times asneeded or desired.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications may be made in the present disclosure, without departingfrom the scope of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A clipping device, comprising: a capsule slidablyreceiving a pair of clip arms therein, each of the clip arms extendingfrom a proximal end to a distal end, wherein the proximal ends areconnected to a yoke slidably received within a channel of the capsule tomove the clip arms between a tissue receiving configuration, in whichthe distal ends of the clip arms are separated from one another, and atissue clipping configuration, in which the distal ends of the clip armsare drawn toward one another, wherein the channel of the capsuleincludes a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portionextending distally from the proximal portion and flaring outward in asingle plane to form opposing flared sections, a portion of the yokeconfigured to deform in one of the flared sections to receive anenlarged distal end of a control member therein, and wherein the capsuleand the clip arms are configured to remain coupled to one another withina living body when the clip arms are separated from the control memberclipped over a target portion of tissue.
 2. The device of claim 1,wherein the yoke includes a distal portion connected to the clip armsand a proximal portion configured to be coupled to the control member,the distal and proximal portions connected to one another via afrangible link designed to fail when a force exerted thereon exceeds apredetermined threshold value.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein across-sectional area of the proximal portion of the capsule issubstantially circular and a cross-sectional area of the distal portionof the capsule is substantially ovoid.
 4. The device of claim 3, whereinthe circular proximal portion and the ovoid distal portion share acenter point.
 5. The device of claim 4, wherein a major axis of theovoid distal portion of the capsule is larger than a diameter of theproximal portion of the capsule.
 6. The device of claim 4, wherein aminor axis of the ovoid distal portion of the capsule is substantiallyequal to a diameter of the proximal portion of the capsule.
 7. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the yoke includes opposed portions biasedtoward one another and defining therebetween a space sized and shaped toreceive the enlarged distal end, the opposed portions spreading apart topermit the enlarged distal end to be passed distally into the space. 8.The device of claim 7, wherein the opposed portions are movable in theplane in which the distal portion of the capsule is flared so that, whenthe opposed portions are deflected to receive the enlarged distal endwithin the space, the deflected opposed portions are received within theopposing flared sections of the distal portion of the capsule.
 9. Thedevice of claim 1, the proximal portion of the capsule being sized andshaped so that, when the yoke is received therein, the yoke is preventedfrom deforming to disengage the enlarged distal end of the controlmember.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein when the clip arms are drawnproximally into the capsule, the capsule constrains the clip arms in thetissue clipping configuration.
 11. The device of claim 1, furthercomprising: gripping features on the distal ends of the clip arms, thegripping features configured to enhance the gripping of tissuetherebetween.
 12. The device of claim 11, wherein the gripping featuresare at least one of teeth, protrusions, spikes and structures extendinglaterally inward toward one another.
 13. The device of claim 1, furthercomprising: a locking feature configured to lock the clip arms in thetissue clipping configuration.
 14. The device of claim 13, wherein thelocking feature is a locking tab extending laterally outward from atleast one of the clip alms, the locking tab configured to engage aportion of the capsule when the clip arms have been drawn proximallyinto the capsule beyond a predetermined distance.